Mr. Yohance Lateef Smith

Yohance Lateef Smith, (45) departed this Earth peacefully of natural causes to live with our LORD and SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST, on May 10, 2024, at 7:09 a.m. Yohance was born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, on September 15, 1978, at 5:25 a.m. at Mercy Hospital, to Dr. Desiree Smith Townes and Stanley Phillip Carr Jr. Yohance was preceded in death by Silas Townes Jr. and his Grandparents: Pastor John E. Smith Jr., Charlotte “Toni” Smith, Alice Christine Carter, Stanley Phillip Carr Sr., and most recently Ethel Geraldine (Howling) Carr: Aunts and Uncles: Keenya Eugene Pretlor Jr., Billie Ray Pretlor Sr., Dwayne Quinton Witten Sr., Virginia Smith Albany, and Jarett R. Smith Yohance is survived by his two wonderful sons, Noah Yance and David John Elliott, his siblings Tyffany, Anthony, Alonna, Alexus, Shanyse, Shamaria, Shakir, Rukiya and husband Bryant Grayson-Ward, Charlotte, Anastasia, Darlinda. Aniyah, Alijah, Azayah, Anijon, Azavier, Aubree, Aaliyah, Ayrianna, Zayd. There is an abundance of much-loved aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins, extended family, church family and friends, who all were near and dear to Yohance’s heart. From the time of conception to the time Yohance went to be with the LORD, he has been an absolute joy, a gift from ALMIGHTY GOD. Yohance, means, “God’s Gift” we intentionally, and carefully sought-after a name with meaning and purpose, and his name could not have been more perfect. Yohance brought so much joy, peace, hope, and love to many from birth and even now as he sleeps. Yohance grew up with sound Biblical teachings and lifestyle. He enjoyed nature, fishing, hunting, catching creepy crawlers and insects of all kinds, that was one of his favorite things to do with his ad, Uncle Ronnie and his cousins he would have pockets full of them and at times forget to empty his pockets before we’d do the laundry. Yohance was also fawned of dogs, horses, lizards and birds. He was a true animal lover and was close in choosing a career as a veterinarian. He also really enjoyed church. But, not just going to church, he loved to participate, he was attracted and interested in what his Grandfather was doing up there on the pulpit. (A little Preacher in the making). He looked forward to putting on his suit, toting his Bible and singing in the choir conducted by Auntie Quaretta. It was known by many as a newborn baby that Yohance had a call on his life. Yohance was a light, that brought peace and goodness wherever he went, and had a smile that was out of this world. Yohance went through school like a breeze. He was gifted with total recall and photographic memory, He got his first job as a paperboy, he did not always like getting up, but he enjoyed making something of himself, pay days and tips. Yohance advanced his career to a security guard. He was working for and with his Grandfather, who was over all the security guards at a huge financial banking institution. Yohance worked up until he graduated from Greater Johnstown High School. He left the hills, mountains and valley. all the insects, fish, deer, birds and creatures for a greater adventure while he continued his education, in the United States Army as an 82nd Airborne Combat Medic Specialist. Yohance successfully completed the intense Military Basic Training, Medical School, and the 82nd Airborne Jump School. He trained how to jump out of perfect planes and has numerous amounts of jump under is belt. Yohance was flying and soaring in the sky like an eagle with a miniature hospital on his back. He was the hospital, the first responder, he would jump out of the plane to seek and stabilize injured soldiers until they could be medevac to a physical structure. For his 21st birthday Yohance made the best decision of his life. He gave his life to GOD, by accepting JESUS CHRIST as his LORD, and Savior. Yohance continued his education at Moriah Institute of Christian Studies (from his own words) where he experienced and had a visitation from the Holy Ghost for the first time, there at Moriah. Jumping out of the planes with extremely heavy equipment finally took a toll on Yohance’s shoulders, forcing him to medically retire from Active Duty. But not all together from what he enjoyed. He was able to continue his career in the medical field, and his medical background came in use on one of the most wonderful days of his life the birth of his first child, Noah and then three years later he had another wonderful son, David, to come into the world. They were Yohance’s pride and joy. He took his time naming them. He wanted to make sure that their names were Biblical names with meaning and purpose, and whenever someone called their name, they’d call purpose. Yohance just like his dad, likes taking his son’s, fishing, to play sports, on adventures, trips and vacations. But most of all Yohance loved taking his son’s to church. He wanted to afford them the same GODLY foundation and upbringing that had. Yohance continued to increase knowing and understand of the Word at Zion Hope Evangelistic Ministries, The Potters House in Jacksonville, Florida, until moving up to Pennsylvania where he was licensed and ordained to Preach the Gospel of JESUS CHRIST at Jefferson Memorial First Born Church. Yohance was founder of The Blue Flame Outreach Ministry, where he was able to operate in his GOD given Gifts. Many people to include his parents, immediate family, co-worker, friends, the disabled, elderly, children, homeless, helpless and others spoke of the powerful ministry that he took very seriously. There are so many that were blessed and benefited from his walk with GOD. Yohance was truly a GIFT FROM GOD, he was a Mighty Man of GOD, Prayer Warrior, Intercessor, Prophet, Leader, Counselor, Teacher and a Prototype sent by GOD. These are not just words, it is truth. To know him was to love him and he will be deeply missed. Yohance is now with our Precious LORD and Savior, and it would not surprise me if everyone along the way knew he was coming. Can’t you just hear him saying GLOOOORRRRYYY. Can’t you just see him dancing his Holy Ghost dance and singing to with that awesome baritone voice I LOVE YOU JESUS like only he could If you would like to make monetary contributions, the family has requested for those donations to be sent to CashApp: $DrDesireeLWL Zelle: DesireeTownes Livestreaming of Funeral Service: https://www.facebook.com/MtCalvaryWordofFaith/ Livestreaming of Military Honors https://www.facebook.com/militarymemorialmediaservices/live

Mr. Yohance Lateef Smith

September 15, 1978 - May 10, 2024